ERIE, Pa.
Jackie Bakers second goal of the game with 6:23 remaining proved to be the difference as second-ranked West Chester defeated No. 6 Gannon, 9-8, Thursday afternoon in a non-conference womens lacrosse match at Gannon University.
Gannon missed its opportunity to tie the game with 1:15 to go, when the Golden Knights missed a wide open cage off a free position.
West Chester (5-0) recorded its second win in as many tries over a nationally ranked opponent this season, having beaten No. 3 Lock Haven last weekend. Gannon (7-1) suffered its first loss of the 2007 campaign.
The hosts railed from two goals down with consecutive tallies about three minutes apart that tied the score at 8-all with 9:12 left. However, the Golden Rams, who were just elevated to No. 2 in the IWLCA coaches poll earlier this week, showed their resolve in a tight game down the stretch.
Baker, the PSAC, ECAC and womenslacrosse.com reigning player of the week, found the back of the cage for her team-leading 22nd goal of the season a little over three minutes later, giving the visitors an advantage it would never relinquish.
Mary Beth Green stopped a season-high 10 shots to improve to 4-0 in West Chesters goal.
Nicole Haines recorded her second straight hat trick on the year.
Chrissy Kane also netted three goals to lead the scoring effort for the Golden Rams.
West Chester started strong, scoring the games first four goals, and held a 4-1 lead late in the first half. However, Gannon rattled off four unanswered goals, including three within the first five minutes of the second half to tie the game at 5-5. The Knights four-goal spurt was the longest consecutive streak an opponent has posted against West Chester all season.
Acacia Cook made nine saves for Gannon. The Golden Knights were paced offensively by Joanna Culkin and Krista Schunks two goals. Culkin also added an assist.
Gannon won the faceoff battle, 11-8, marking the first time all year that West Chester did not win more faceoffs than its opponent. The Golden Rams also forced 24 turnovers by the Knights.
West Chester steps back into PSAC play Saturday afternoon with another road game at Bloomsburg. Faceoff is set for 1 p.m.
